11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the side of your bed. They often have one side that can be lowered down for easy access and some even have an incline option that is ideal for babies with reflux. MFM tester Georgina found this crib very easy to build and the instructions were clear, which made it an easy and quick build. It also folds down to an extremely compact size and comes with a convenient bag for travel. Easy to put together They are small and easy to set-up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, making them more portable. Georgina, who was one of the MFM's home testers said that the Maxi-Cosi Lora was “super easy to assemble, with clear instructions, and simple zips.” This crib can also function as a travel cot, and comes with a handy bag to carry it around moving. It comes with multiple mesh openings for ventilation, and its adjustable height allows it to fit on any mattress. Some bedside cribs have a side panel that can be raised, allowing the ability to be close to your baby without the need to get out of bed. This is a great choice for mothers who are breastfeeding or parents who want to be close to their baby throughout the night, but do not want to risk co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS). Most models come with a built-in function that allows you to rock your baby. This can be very relaxing for your baby and can help them sleep. Some cribs offer a recline position, which is useful for babies suffering from reflux or colic. It is best to use them under supervision, and a GP or health visitor should be consulted before trying this position. Most cribs with a bedside have a canopy over them to shield your baby from light and sound, which can be beneficial in keeping them quiet. Some have storage compartments beneath, which is ideal for stashing extra blankets, nappies and clothes for your baby. Many bedside cribs are convertible into toddler beds or standalone cots. This is a key selling feature for a lot of families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It has removable side panels, a conversion kit, and a tummy-tilt, making it a great travel companion. It also has five different height adjustments to match your bed. It was loved by our MFM home testers for being simple to build as well as comfortable and compact. The Graco Play Yard (also called as the pack and play) is another favorite and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards. Cosy and comfy You can watch your child from the peace of your bed by using a bedside crib. It's an excellent option for moms who are recovering from a C-section as you can easily carry your baby towards you to feed their needs at night or change their nappies with no need to get out of the bed. And the cosiest cribs also have breathable mesh sides which you can see your baby through. Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the model chosen meets the current safety requirements). Some cribs let you lower the barrier but then pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is better for parents who are concerned about their child rolling off their mattress. The Luah is the winner of the 2021 Mother&Baby Award for Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket – is designed to attach to bedsteads as well as divan beds, but does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to be sure that your bed will be able to fit). The spacious design comes with an opening side panel, and a patent-pending perforated bottom that creates air cushioning to increase air flow. Plus, there's an integrated reflux setting and an swivel 360 to allow you to rotate the crib to fit the baby's position. If you're looking for something a smaller than the Tutti Bambini COZee is another stylish choice with oak legs and stylish fabrics that will match your decor. It's also easy to put together. Georgina who took part in the MFM test was capable of putting it together quickly, without having to look up any instructions. It's also a fantastic travel cot. It folds flat and can be popped into bags. The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger size but is still compact and easy to attach to your bed. Georgina found it easy to put together, though she did feel the zips could have been more clearly explained on the instruction manual. Easy to clean When you're looking at travel cots or bedside cribs make sure they come with a mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will keep it clean and free of dribbles, leaky diapers, and spit-up. It's an excellent idea to choose a product that can be disassembled and partially dismantled, so that you can access every nook and cranny to conduct an extensive cleaning and sanitising session. This is important, as it's the best way to make sure that all dirt and germs have been removed. Also, you should ensure that the crib's sides are securely secured, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or areas that your child could slide down or become trapped. It is also important to ensure that the crib is easy to clean and that it is a good fit for your bed. This is particularly important if you are using a bedside crib for co-sleeping. These cribs are designed to be connected securely to the parent's side, allowing parents to easily access to their child throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while still ensuring the safety that separate sleeping surfaces offer. When choosing a crib for your bedside it is important to consider whether it has extra features that might be useful to you. For instance, some cribs come with the ability to rock (useful for sleepers who are fussy) or tilt – although keep in mind that you should make use of this feature with caution as it could be dangerous if your child falls out. You'll need to ensure that your crib or travel bed has a flat, firm mattress that is snugly fitted into the frame. This will reduce the chance of SIDS because your baby's head and feet won't fall into any folds or gaps in the bedding. It's a good idea to buy a new mattress for the crib or travel cot, rather than use one that was handed down or bought second-hand. Mattresses that are used are more likely to lose their shape over time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new should be compliant with BS EN 1130:2019, the latest standard that imposes stricter requirements for secure and efficient sleep solutions. Multi-faceted The bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeping bed as it's sometimes called, attaches to the bed so that you can reach your baby easily during the night without leaving your sleeping area. They can also be used as standalone cribs during the daytime. Most will have a side panel that can be lowered, so you can see and touch your baby. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel in place at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby, while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can be transformed into an oversized travel cot. Other cribs come with additional features like rocking, tilting, or even converting into an older baby cot. The SnuzPod 4 is a consistently well-loved crib and it's not only about its sleek Scandi aesthetic. It comes with six height adjustments and an excellent storage shelf. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our cribs that are more suitable for travel, but it comes in a handy bag to keep it free of dust and clean when stored. The instructions are clear and there's a handy toolkit included to assist you. It's also easy to clean using a machine washable mattress cover and air-tight fabric. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs. These include an anti-reflux angle and a rocking feature and storage space. best bedside cot for newborn Cots For Tots says it's a great crib because it's “easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed him without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets, so it will last longer before my son grows out of it”. She also loves that it's easy to wipe down and feels sturdy and well-made. It's designed to fit on a divan, which makes it an ideal choice for those with small space. It also comes with a handy bag to take on your travels. A perfect all-rounder.